The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory is a former rectory, now a house, dating to circa 1821-22. It was built for Reverend Hugh Monckton, with a porch and window above added in 1827 following consultation with Lewis Vulliamy. The original construction contract was signed by John Boyfield. The building is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings, has a slate roof, and ashlar chimneys flanking the centre bay. It is two storeys high, with an attic and cellars, and comprises three bays. Features include a plinth and a first-floor sill band. The outer bays have large tripartite sashes with segmental heads to the ground floor, and three-pane sashes to the first floor. The narrower central bay has a projecting ashlar surround and an attic storey which breaks through the roof with a pediment-type gable. The first floor of the central bay features a tall staircase sash with marginal glazing, and the attic has a similar, shorter sash. A projecting ashlar porch, with parapets to the side walls and iron railings to the front, sits below the staircase window. The porch has a panelled door with a rectangular fanlight, flanking pilasters, and narrow side lights. The right gable end has three-pane sashes to the attic and centre of the first floor, and two blind windows, all with raised stone surrounds. A later garage links the house to a smaller cottage block with 20th-century window openings. The left gable end features a central canted bay, sashes to the first floor, large French windows, and a handsome iron verandah. The interior contains contemporary marble fireplaces and some wood panelling. Elements of the earlier rectory, which was demolished in 1821, may be incorporated into the basement and lesser parts of the house.